Condo Showdown: five industrial lofts for less than $1 million

The number of so-called “hard lofts” in Toronto has ballooned since the early 2000s as developers wised up to the moneymaking potential of turning old factories and warehouses into residential units. True loft conversions have an artsy vibe that’s nearly impossible to imitate, and some buyers feel they’re a smarter investment than new builds because supply is, in theory, limited by the number of available buildings to convert. Even would-be loft owners with sub-$1 million budgets can find a range of options: some units maintain the original raw, industrial feel, while the rough edges on others have been smoothed away (some repurposed buildings are even packed with luxury amenities). Below, five recently-listed hard lofts from across the city.

The Merchandise Lofts

Address:155 Dalhousie Street, Unit 1015Listed price: $449,900Sold for: $441,000 after 18 days on the marketBuilding fees and amenities: $466.40. Concierge; rooftop garden with dog walking area; lap pool; barbecue terrace; half-basketball court; yoga studio; Metro grocery store at street levelThe take: This one-bedroom unit in the former Sears warehouse near Ryerson is a roomy 889 square feet, and has a sunken living area, a raised master bedroom with a sliding barn door, and a wall of factory-style windows. Despite those features, however, a sense of the building’s early 20th-century Chicago School architecture feels sadly absent.Agent: Andrew John Harrild, Royal LePage Your Community Realty, Brokerage

Address: 189 Queen Street East, Unit 5Listed price: $469,900Sold for: $470,000 after 42 days on the marketBuilding fees and amenities:$330.19. NoneThe take: The Boiler Factory is an intimate, 11-unit building in the heart of Moss Park, an area undergoing change with new developments but currently still known for its housing projects and homeless shelters. The 900-square-foot unit has one bedroom (plus office), exposed brick walls and a stainless steel-accented kitchen that compliments the industrial exterior. Best of all: a private rooftop terrace with views of the city.Agent: Edwin K. Brdlik, Toronto Lofts Realty Corp., Brokerage

Address: 27 Brock Avenue, Unit 212Listed price: $499,000Sold for: $580,000 after three days on the marketBuilding fees and amenities: $698.46. NoneThe take: Spend $110,000 more and you’ll get a two-bedroom loft spanning 1173 square feet and two levels. A pair of open-tread metal staircases lead to the master bedroom and a private rooftop terrace (which has an excellent view of the line-up at Electric Mud BBQ). Maintenance fees are a tad steep considering the building lacks costly amenities like a concierge or fitness centre.Agents: Heikki Walden and Michael Camber, The Camber Walden Group

Address: 68 Broadview Avenue, Unit 428Listed price: $589,900Sold for: $601,000 after four days on the marketBuilding fees and amenities: $494.49. Concierge; party room; rooftop patioThe take: With 152 units, the former Rexall Pharmacy warehouse just east of the Don Valley Parkway feels a little less exclusive than some of the other conversions. The split-level suite, however, is spectacular, with a huge open-concept kitchen and living area, and a master suite with a full wall of built-in closets.Agent: Andrew John Harrild, Royal LePage Your Community Realty, Brokerage

Address: 363 Sorauren Avenue, Unit 116List Price: $775,000Sold for: Still on the marketBuilding fees and amenities: $843.72. Courtyard; rooftop gardenThe take: This six-storey former candy factory in Roncesvalles is generally considered one of the city’s best conversions. A two-bedroom, ground-floor unit juxtaposes gritty industrial features like exposed brick, wood beams, open ductwork and rounded windows with a sleek contemporary kitchen and minimalist bathrooms. The bedrooms are set off by curtains, not walls, which could make for some privacy issues.Agent: Carl Langschmidt, Royal LePage Your Community Realty, Brokerage